Devastated by the loss of their older son, well-to-do suburban couple Calvin (Donald Sutherland) and Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) are trying to rebuild their lives after their younger son, Conrad (Timothy Hutton), attempts suicide. While Beth, who always favored the elder son, retreats into an icy, emotionless shell, Calvin tries to draw Conrad back into the family and into life as a teenager. Conrad sings in the choir and returns to the swim team, but both his brother's death and his own experiences traumatize him. Conrad reluctantly begins therapy sessions with Berger (Judd Hirsch), which allow him some respite from the unbearable grief and guilt he carries with him. As Conrad makes strides, Calvin realizes that he no longer knows his wife and is both saddened and angered by how seemingly emotionless she has become. A classic portrait of family life in the face of tragedy, Robert Redford's award-winning directorial debut is moving and thought provoking. Based on the novel by Judith Guest, the film features the debuts of Timothy Hutton and Elizabeth McGovern as well as breakthrough performances from Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland.

With the pain from the death of their older son still fresh, Calvin and Beth try to help their remaining son, Conrad, recover from a suicide attempt. Overcome with guilt and grief related to his brother's death, Conrad tries to return to the life of a normal high school student but finds it difficult, with memories of his brother surrounding him and the coldness his mother exhibits almost unbearable.

Awards

Oscar (1981)

Robert Redford, Winner, Best Director

Timothy Hutton, Winner, Best Supporting Actor

Alvin Sargent, Winner, Best Writing, Screenplay Based On Material From Another Medium

Mary Tyler Moore, Nominee, Best Actress

Judd Hirsch, Nominee, Best Supporting Actor

British Academy Awards (1982)

Mary Tyler Moore, Nominee, Best Actress

Golden Globe (1981)

Robert Redford, Winner, Best Motion Picture Director

Timothy Hutton, Winner, Best Motion Picture Actor In A Supporting Role

Mary Tyler Moore, Winner, Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture-Drama

Timothy Hutton, Winner, Male New Star Of The Year In A Motion Picture

Donald Sutherland, Nominee, Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture-Drama

Judd Hirsch, Nominee, Best Motion Picture Actor In A Supporting Role

Alvin Sargent, Nominee, Best Motion Picture Screenplay

Professional Reviews

New York Times "...A moving, intelligent and funny film....Moore is remarkably fine..." 09/19/1980 p.C6

New York Times Included in the New York Times "10 BEST FILMS OF 1980" 12/28/1980 p.II:15

USA Today "...It's still a fine movie..." 08/17/2001 p.6E

Entertainment Weekly "...The actor's first -- and best -- film behind the camera won Best Picture and netted him a directing Oscar..." 01/11/2002 p.37

Product Attributes

Customer Reviews of Ordinary People

Most Recent Reviews

A must see for sibling rivalry and emotional heali

11/5/2005

I rate this movie as my all time favorite! I grew up in the shaddow of a very well known and athletic brother when this movie was released. Even though my brother nor I had a tragic ending, I found this movie to be key in finding value in who I was and moving from the shaddow of my brother's accomplishments and finding my own gifts.

you can't go wrong with robert redford

7/6/2002

this is a wonderful movie with oscar winning performances from timothy hutton and mary tyler moore! this is my favorite movie of all times with intelligent cinematography and a strong emotional impact! i believe it is one of the best dramas ever made and has a great message!

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